Victor Wembanyama travels with San Antonio Spurs amid concussion protocol
Victor Wembanyama will travel with the San Antonio Spurs to Portland for this weekend’s play-off games despite remaining in the league’s concussion protocol.
The towering Frenchman suffered a head injury during Tuesday’s Game 2 loss to the Trail Blazers and was forced to leave the court in the second quarter.
San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson confirmed his player is making positive strides, but his availability for Friday’s crucial Game 3 remains undetermined.
He is progressing.
Mitch Johnson
Strict return-to-play process
The 7-foot-4 centre must clear several specific neurological milestones before being permitted to return to competitive action.
This rigorous recovery process begins with light exertion, which includes riding a stationary bike, jogging and non-contact agility drills.
Medical staff will continuously compare the unanimous Defensive Player of the Year’s current test results against his pre-season baseline evaluations.
The first-round play-off series is currently delicately poised at one game apiece ahead of Friday’s fixture, with Game 4 following on Sunday.
A pivotal absence for San Antonio
Losing their franchise cornerstone for an extended period would serve as a massive blow to the Spurs’ postseason ambitions.
The team finished the regular season with the second-best record in the standings, driven heavily by their talisman’s historic performances.
During his dominant campaign, the MVP finalist averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game.
However, San Antonio have proven they can remain competitive without him, recording 12 wins and six losses during his regular-season absences.
